Lassen Forest fire restrictions start today

CHESTER — Forest officials have announced that fire restrictions will go into effect on the Lassen National Forest beginning today.

The restrictions address campfire use, off-road driving, smoking, wood cutting, and other activities on the Forest. Such restrictions are ordered every year when the temperatures rise and cause the forest to dry out and become much more susceptible to wildfires, according to a press release from the forest agency.

"When the public complies with these restrictions, the chances of people accidently starting wildfires is greatly reduced," said Lassen National Forest Supervisor Jerry Bird. "Those of us who live in and around the forest understand the consequences of wildfire and the need for fire restrictions."

Highlights of the restrictions include:

- Open fires are prohibited outside of designated, developed campgrounds and recreation sites, even with a valid California campfire permit. However, lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel may be used with a valid California campfire permit.

- Using a motor vehicle is allowed only on established Forest System roads and trails or within designated recreation sites.

Under the restrictions, use of chainsaws for woodcutting by individuals with a valid fuelwood permit is allowed beginning at daylight until 1 p.m. Chainsaws must have spark arresters, and woodcutters are required to have both a shovel and fire extinguisher on hand. Fire officials urge woodcutters to cut firewood early in the day.

As the fire danger increases, woodcutting on the forest could be suspended.